SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Jhoulys Chacin’s spring training debut was all about the fastball.

In the first two innings of the Rockies’ 6-5 win over the Diamondbacks today, Chacin consistently threw strikes (21 in 29 pitches), and for the most part, he commanded that fastball, consistently hitting 92-93 mph. He threw just one slider and two curveballs.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — As I get a closer look at Drew Pomeranz and Alex White during spring training, I can’t help casting an eye toward Ubaldo Jimenez, the man the Rockies shipped to Cleveland in exchange for Pomeranz and White.

A confession here: I’m a big Jimenez fan — the man and the pitcher. But it sure looks like he’s got a long way to go to regain the form that made him an all-star with the Rockies in 2010.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — After all the scrutiny about his weight and offseason miscommunication with GM Dan O’Dowd, right-hander Jhoulys Chacin gets to make a statement on the field today when the Rockies play the Diamondbacks at Salt River Fields. (1:10 p.m.)

Chacin was dynamite in the first part of 2011, but was 3-10 with 4.58 ERA from June 27 to the end of the season.

The Rockies will be taking a close look at Chacin’s fastball command — the key to his success or failure.

Also today, Jason Giambi makes his spring debut as the Rockies DH. Expect him to get two at-bats before calling it a day.

Patrick, a third-generation Colorado native, is back for his second stint covering the Rockies. He first covered the team from 2005-2009, helping chronicle “Rocktober” in 2007 and also following the team’s playoff run in 2009.

Nick Groke has worked at The Denver Post since 1997, as a sports reporter, city reporter, entertainment writer and digital editor and producer, among other newsroom posts. He also writes regularly about boxing, soccer, MMA and NASCAR.